Report: If they could, some U.S. Latinos would rather live elsewhere

In Southern California, generations of immigrants are creating an evolving definition of "American." Multi-American is your source for news, conversation and insight on this emerging regional and national identity.

The results of a Gallup study released yesterday show that if some of the nation's Latinos could live elsewhere, they would. Based on a telephone survey of 1,000 Latino adults, the new study shows that more than one in seven, or an estimated 4 million, would leave the United States if they could.

According to Gallup, 52 percent said they would prefer to live in a Latin American country if it were possible, including nearly a third who indicated Mexico. Others would like to be in Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom and other nations outside of Latin America.

Those who would rather live elsewhere are more likely to be foreign-born and struggling with finances, language and culture, according to the study. The results reflect how while the United States may be a land of opportunity, life here is not without its struggles, especially for many newcomers. From the report:

U.S. Hispanics who would like to migrate are caught between two worlds. Gallup's data show they are less integrated than those who don't want to migrate -- they're more likely to feel good only among other Hispanics, feel more discriminated against, and are less likely to speak English well. They not only experience more cultural tension, but also seem to be doing worse off economically, particularly with regard to their ability to afford healthcare for themselves and their families.

Further, U.S. Hispanics who would like to migrate are more likely to say they have sent remittances back home in the past 12 months and are less optimistic about the future possibility of increasing or maintaining the amount of these remittances.